May 20, 2008

New eBay Feedback Calculations

eBay made the announcement on the Feedback system back in February (see below) but failed to mention that the calculation would now count neutral feedbacks.

Here’s an example of the feedback change on Kekoa64. I’m not trying to pick on Kekoa64 – I just happen to have a snapshot of his feedback profile from last week.

This feedback before the change is 99.8%. It includes lifetime feedback but does not include neutrals.

The feedback after the change is 98.2%. Only the past 12 months is included (which was announced) but the surprise is that neutrals are now included. The neutrals reduce his feedback rating by 1.6%.

The main changes to the system being introduced in May:

Beginning in February 2008, we enabled buyers and sellers to earn up to one Feedback per week from the same trading partner. In May we will provide credit for similar repeat transactions going back to when the system was introduced in 1996. This change will encourage repeat transactions and reward good service.

In May, sellers will no longer be able to leave negative or neutral Feedback for buyers.

Removal of negative and neutral Feedback left by members who are suspended or who fail to respond to the Unpaid Item (UPI) Process.

Positive Feedback percentage will be based on the past 12 months of Feedback, rather than lifetime, since it is most indicative of the seller’s recent performance.

Restrictions on when Feedback can be left:
Buyers must wait seven days before leaving negative or neutral Feedback for active PowerSellers who have been registered for at least 12 months.
Members must leave Feedback within 60 days of the transaction closing (today members have up to 90 days).

Removal of Mutual Feedback Withdrawal.

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What’s really “fishy” to me is that they are counting neutrals as negatives. If they did it from the 19th forward, that would be okay. BUT, they are taking previous neutrals, neutrals that were left by buyers/sellers who thought they were exactly that NEUTRAL.

Looks like another way for eBay to avoid the powerseller discounts to me.